[ShotgunPro]

Hey guys,

I have an Ithaca M-66 SuperSingle 20ga. from my dad. The barrel states that it's a 20ga 3" chamber.

Wally World didn't carry 3" 20ga shells, so I got 2-3/4". Is it bad to shoot 2-3/4" shells from a 3" chamber in 20ga? Obviously the reverse would be a very bad idea.

Before I call Ithaca, I thought I would ask here.

Any one KNOW FOR SURE?

Thanks!

 

[ShotgunPro]

It's ok to shoot 2-3/4" shells and 3" in that shotgun, I've got the same shotgun in 20 and 12 gauge.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I 2nd

It's safe to shoot the 2 3/4" shell in a 3" mag chamber.

Kind of like .38 special in a .357 mag or a .44 special in a .44 mag or ...:mrgreen:

 

[ShotgunPro]

Thanks guys. I actually went shooting trap last night with it. It wasn't for me, but I was letting my friend shoot for the first time with it (She's 5'2", 100lbs) Even for a 20ga, it still recoils a lot. I'm not a big shotgun person, so help me out here: Can I put a newer recoil pad on it? Like a really soft one? How do you know if one is going to fit?

 

[ShotgunPro]

First off man i love that gun Used to have one a long time ago; never should have gotten rid of it. Second the only problem i have ever had with that weapon is i personally think that model 20ga single shot kicks more than my 12ga with a 2 3/4 shell. don't know why but definitely weird. maybe i am crazy If you go to you local gun shop or try online i bet you can find a good recoil pad for that thing. Don't be scared the shop if its a normal one will help you out if ya just talk to them. I remember shooting mine with the stock plastic but plate sucked a little.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Absolutely safe!

Any 3 inch 20 or 12 gauge should be more than safe to use the shorter 2 3/4" loads. The 3" 20 gauge loads have quite a kick (for a 20 gauge) and are really not necessary.

Buy the 2 3/4" shells and blaze away. You could even shoot the powder puff light 2.5" English light loads in a 3" 20 gauge if you want. They kick less than a 410...but the price of these shells will kick you!

A 20 gauge single shot is great for snakes or varmints at close range. Load it with some 2 3/4" Super-Xs #4s - that is a good varmint/snake load. I use them out of my Zabala 20 gauge SxS all the time for snakes.

- Brickboy240

 

[ShotgunPro]

Thanks guys. I actually went shooting trap last night with it. It wasn't for me, but I was letting my friend shoot for the first time with it (She's 5'2", 100lbs) Even for a 20ga, it still recoils a lot. I'm not a big shotgun person, so help me out here: Can I put a newer recoil pad on it? Like a really soft one? How do you know if one is going to fit?

Even Wal-Mart has slip on recoil pads for cheap. They come in different sizes and it does'nt have to be a permanent fixture. Try to find some lower powered target loads too.

 

[CajunBass]

An Ithaca M-66 "Supersingle" in 20 ga., was my first gun ever. I got it new for Christmas in 1966 I guess it was. I can still see that thing under the tree Christmas morning, still in the box, with a brown canvas hunting coat, and two boxes of Sears shells. My son still has the gun I'm sure. He did the last time I asked about it.

Yes, they do kick. At least mine did. Mine was a "youth model" with a 26" modified barrel, and a recoil pad. To the best of my knowledge, the adult guns didn't come with recoil pads from the factory. I've always atributed the recoil to (1) the straight stock, and (2) the short "youth" stock (3) and fairly light weight. Mine at least seemed to recoil more "up" than back, and my thumb would hit me in the cheek. Not that I cared. I had a gun.

There is a mistaken idea that a 20 ga will kick less than a 12. Not so. it all depends on the load. X ammount of shot, over Y amount of powder, in a gun that weighs Z, and the recoil will be the same. The gague doesn't matter. The only way to get less recoil, is to either use a lighter load, or a heavier gun. Mr. Newton's laws don't change.

 

[North Country Gal]

Thanks guys. I actually went shooting trap last night with it. It wasn't for me, but I was letting my friend shoot for the first time with it (She's 5'2", 100lbs) Even for a 20ga, it still recoils a lot. I'm not a big shotgun person, so help me out here: Can I put a newer recoil pad on it? Like a really soft one? How do you know if one is going to fit?

You can buy a Past Recoil Shield, which is a slip on shoulder pad, to reduce recoil and save having to mess with the gun. I use one for shooting big bore rifles because I bruise, easily, and they work great. There is even a model just for women that can be worn under a top.